The images in Carol are cool and elusive, but they also pulsate with life. - A. O. Scott, New York Times

Haynes has pulled off something remarkable here, without a trace of winking or archness. -Mike D'Angelo, A.V. Club

The fine screenplay is by Phyllis Nagy, who drains away the sourness of the book; what remains is a production of clean and frictionless beauty, down to the last, strokable inch of clothing and skin. - Anthony Lane, The New Yorker

While the narrative on the whole is ultimately very straightforward and uncomplicated, the weight is provided by some tremendous performances, incredible style, and a magnificent score. - Eric Eisenberg, Cinemablend